Are you feeling anxious about crafting the perfect letter of recommendation for the Common App? Look no further because we have the solution for you! The Common App provides a Letter of Recommendation template that can be used as a guideline for teachers, counselors, or mentors who are tasked with writing a letter on your behalf. The template includes helpful examples that can be edited as needed to highlight your unique strengths and accomplishments. No more stress over wording or formatting – simply use the Common App Letter of Recommendation template to showcase your best self. So, take a deep breath, and let the template guide you to a glowing recommendation that will impress any college admissions committee.
The Best Structure for Common App Letter of Recommendation Template
Writing a recommendation letter for someone else is an important responsibility and it can be challenging to know where to start. If you are writing a recommendation letter for a student applying to colleges using the Common Application, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure that your letter is effective, informative, and well-received.
Firstly, start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the student. This should include your name, job title, and how you know the student. This sets the context for the rest of the letter and helps admission officers know who is writing the letter and why they should trust your judgment.
Next, discuss the student’s strengths and achievements. This is the most important part of the letter and should be the bulk of your recommendation. Highlight the qualities that make the student a strong candidate for college, such as their academic performance, leadership abilities, or personal characteristics. Be specific and use anecdotes to illustrate your points.
You can also include examples of the student’s extracurricular activities, community involvement, or any other experiences that demonstrate their character and potential. It’s important to focus on how the student will contribute to the college community and why they are a good fit for a particular school.
Moreover, you should discuss how the student has grown and developed over time, both in and outside the classroom. Discuss any challenges they have faced and how they have overcome them, or any significant personal or academic achievements they have made. This demonstrates the student’s resilience, determination, and potential for future success.
Finally, conclude your letter with a strong endorsement of the student. Summarize the main points of your letter and emphasize why you believe the student is the right fit for the colleges they are applying to. Provide your contact information and encourage the admission officers to contact you if they have any further questions.
In conclusion, a well-written Common App letter of recommendation template should follow a clear structure, starting with an introduction and followed by a discussion of the student’s strengths and achievements, personal growth, and concluded with a strong endorsement. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can write a letter that effectively supports the student’s college application and helps them stand out in the competitive admissions process.
Common App Letter of Recommendation Templates
Letter of Recommendation for College Admission
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am honored to write this letter on behalf of [student name] and strongly recommend [him/her] for admission to [college/university name]. As [his/her] teacher for [subject] class for the past [number] years, I have had the pleasure of observing [him/her] grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
[Student name] has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, exceptional intellectual curiosity, and has excelled in [specific skills/subjects]. [He/She] is a creative problem-solver who is not afraid to take on unfamiliar challenges. Throughout [his/her] time in my class, [he/she] has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and has a genuine love for learning.
I strongly endorse [student name’s] application to [college/university name] and believe [he/she] will make valuable contributions to the college community. [He/She] will without a doubt excel in [his/her] pursuits and make both [his/her] family and [your institution], proud.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of [student name]’s application for [scholarship name]. As [his/her] [subject] teacher for the past [number] years, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand [his/her] academic prowess and profound dedication to [his/her] studies.
[Student name] is one of the most hardworking and enthusiastic students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. [He/She] possesses a natural curiosity about the world and a desire to learn beyond the classroom. [He/She] is an excellent communicator who listens well and can articulate ideas with clarity and purpose.
Through [his/her] academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities and community involvement, [student name] has shown [his/her] commitment to excellence, leadership and service. I am confident that [he/she] will use every opportunity of [the scholarship name] to aid [himself/herself] in becoming an exceptional leader and a vital member of society.
It is without reservation that I highly recommend [student name] for the [scholarship name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Internship Opportunity
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am thrilled to recommend [student name] for the [Internship name] program. As [his/her] [subject] teacher, I have had the pleasure of watching [him/her] grow academically and personally into a motivated, disciplined and thoughtful individual.
[Student name] has displayed a strong capacity for problem solving and analytical thinking during [his/her] time in my class. [He/She] is also a team player and excels in collaborating with others to tackle complex problems. [His/Her] ability to learn quickly and adapt rapidly to different situations makes [him/her] an excellent candidate for your internship program.
With [his/her] skills, passion for [specific interest], and broad experience in [related experiences] [student name] is poised to make valuable contributions to your company. I strongly recommend [him/her] for the [Internship name] program and am positive that [he/she] will make an excellent addition to your team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Employment
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter in support of [employee name]’s application for employment in your company/organization. As [his/her] former supervisor, I am well-acquainted with [his/her] skills, strengths, and accomplishments.
During [his/her] tenure at [company/organization name], [employee name] was an excellent team player who consistently delivered high-quality results. [He/She] has a professional attitude and always strives to exceed expectations. [His/Her] strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask make [him/her] an important asset to any organization.
Specifically, [employee name] contributed significantly in [specific experiences/work] and was responsible for [important achievements]. [He/She] was in charge of [specific responsibilities] and executed them well while maintaining excellent relations with customers and team members alike.
I have no doubt that [employee name] will be an invaluable addition to your team, and I highly recommend [him/her] for employment in your company.
If you require further information or references, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Grad School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter of support for [student name] and [his/her] application for [graduate program name]. As [his/her] professor for the past [number] years, I have observed [his/her] academic and personal growth with admiration.
[Student name] is a highly motivated, creative, and analytical individual who is never satisfied with superficial observations. [He/She] has a strong reasoning ability, is able to tackle unfamiliar problems and is always eager to learn. [His/Her] [specific project/research/thesis] proved [him/her] capable of conducting original research and contributing to the academic knowledge of [subject name].
[Student name]’s strong work ethic, personal integrity, and commitment to excellence make [him/her] a valuable asset to any graduate program. I am delighted to recommend [him/her] for [graduate program name], where [he/she] will continue to make contributions in [specific field of interest].
Thank you for considering [student name] for this program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Study Abroad program
Dear Study Abroad Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of [student name] who is applying to study abroad in [country name] for [duration]. As [his/her] [subject] professor, I have seen [him/her] grow academically, socially, and emotionally during [his/her] time in college.
[Student name] consistently displays a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and is always eager to learn. [He/She] has diverse experiences and a passion for international learning and cultural exchange. Having interacted with [him/her] on numerous occasions, I believe that [he/she] has the potential to thrive and serve as an excellent ambassador for [college/university name] while studying in [country name].
I am confident that [student name] will learn and grow during [his/her] time abroad and bring back new perspectives and insights to share with [his/her] campus community. I fully endorse [his/her] application for the study abroad program in [country name].
Thank you for considering [student name’s] application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Medical School Application
Dear Medical School Admissions Committee,
I am thrilled to write this letter on behalf of [student name], who is applying for medical school at [university/college name]. As [his/her] [subject] professor and pre-medical advisor, I know [him/her] to be an exceptional student, an outstanding leader, and an emphatic, compassionate human being.
[Student name] has consistently served as a role model to [his/her] peers. [He/She] possesses an insatiable curiosity, an eagerness to learn, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. [His/her] passion for the sciences and medicine is extraordinary, and [he/she] has demonstrated this passion through [specific experiences/volunteer programs].
The extent of [student name’s] skills and qualifications are further demonstrated by [his/her] academic achievements and leadership roles [extracurricular activities]. [He/She] possesses excellent communication skills, empathtically connecting with patients, the medical team, and personnel. Indeed, in my pre-medical committee, [student name] was unanimously voted the standout candidate of the year.
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [student name] for medical school admission at [university/college name]. I believe that [he/she] will serve as an outstanding physician in the future.
Thank you for considering [student name’s] application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Common App Letter of Recommendation Template
As you begin to prepare for your college applications, you’ll quickly realize the importance of obtaining a strong letter of recommendation from your teachers or other mentors. While the Common App Letter of Recommendation template provides a basic structure for your recommendation letter, there are several tips and best practices to keep in mind to ensure that your letter stands out among the rest.
Firstly, it’s important to choose the right recommender. This person should be someone who knows you well, and who can speak to your character, work ethic, and abilities. Reach out to your potential recommender early on, and provide them with a brief overview of your college application process and goals, so they can tailor their letter accordingly.
Next, make sure to provide your recommender with the necessary details and materials to write a strong letter. This could include your resume, transcripts, personal statement, or other materials that will help them gain a better understanding of who you are as a student and a person. It’s also a good idea to remind your recommender of any specific achievements or projects you’ve worked on together.
When drafting your Common App Letter of Recommendation template, be sure to keep it concise and to the point. Avoid using overly flowery language or making exaggerated claims about your accomplishments. Instead, focus on providing specific examples that highlight your strengths, and how these strengths will contribute to your success in college and beyond.
Lastly, always be sure to thank your recommender for taking the time to write your letter, and offer to provide any additional information or support they may need throughout the process. Remember, your recommender is helping you put your best foot forward in the college admissions process, and they deserve your gratitude and respect.
Common App Letter of Recommendation Template FAQs
What is a common app letter of recommendation?
A common app letter of recommendation is a document written by a teacher, counselor, or mentor that provides additional insight into the character, accomplishments, and potential of a student applying to college through the Common Application.
How many letters of recommendation can I include in my Common App?
The Common App allows for a maximum of four letters of recommendation to be submitted. However, not all colleges require this many. It’s important to check each college’s requirements and tailor your submissions accordingly.
What should be included in a Common App letter of recommendation?
A Common App letter of recommendation should include the recommender’s relationship to the student, an assessment of the student’s academic and personal qualities, specific examples of the student’s achievements, and a summary of the student’s potential for success in college.
Who should write my Common App letter of recommendation?
The best recommendations come from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know the student well and can speak to their strengths and character. It’s important to ask individuals who can provide concrete examples of the student’s accomplishments and potential.
When should I ask for a Common App letter of recommendation?
You should ask for letters of recommendation well in advance–at least a month or two before the deadline–to ensure that the writer has enough time to put thought into their letter. It’s also important to follow up with a reminder as the deadline approaches.
Should I waive my right to see my Common App letter of recommendation?
Yes. You should always waive your right to see your Common App letter of recommendation so that the writer can speak candidly and honestly about your strengths and potential without worrying about how you may react to their assessment.
What should I do if I’m not happy with my Common App letter of recommendation?
First, it’s important to communicate directly with the writer to express your concerns and provide more specific information about what you would like to see emphasized in the letter. If this doesn’t lead to the desired changes, you can also contact the admissions office to ask if they’ll accept an additional letter of recommendation or if there are other steps you can take.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you found this article helpful in creating your Common App letter of recommendation. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a recommender who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. Keep in mind the guidelines and tips shared here, and you’ll be on your way to securing a great recommendation. Thanks again for stopping by, and remember to come back for more helpful articles in the future!